He is the first North American pontiff to be elected leader of the Catholic Church
King Peter was the last king of Yugoslavia. He was named king at the age of 11 after his father was assassinated during a trip to France.
He escaped to London during a coup before he came of age. The monarchy was abolished and he lived out the rest of his life in the US.
She is well known for her radio broadcasts during WWII, which made her a symbol of Dutch resistance against the German invasion.
Queen Wilhelmina was appointed at the age of 10 following her father's death.
Ahmad Shāh took the throne in 1909 when his father was overthrown. He was 11 years old.
He left Bulgaria but returned as an adult to start his own political party, and was elected prime minister in 2001. He's pictured here shaking hands with Prince Charles.
Despite her young age, Elizabeth was well prepared. Her father King George VI suffered a long illness and she began taking on more and more role duties before his death.
His uncle took power again three years later and Michael was reduced to crown prince.
It was said that he was one of the most selfish kings of Iran. He ruled for only 14 years and was exiled to Europe after a military coup.
King Simeon ascended to the throne at the age of six, but his rule was short as the monarchy was abolished three years later.
King Michael came to the throne at the age of five during a very tumultuous time in Romania's history.
She is currently the youngest reigning queen in the world. She's pictured here with Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, on a royal visit.
Queen Elizabeth II was coronated after her father's death. She took the throne at the age of 26.
Jetsun Pema married the "Dragon King" of Bhutan in 2011, when she was 21 years old.
His mother acted as Queen Regent during his childhood, and he took full control when he turned 16.
After his death, he was succeeded by one of his many sons. King Mswati III took the throne at 18 years of age.
Emperor Puyi was the last Emperor of China. He came to power in 1908 at the age of two. During his coronation, he had to be carried to the throne kicking and crying.
A revolution began when he was six years old, and the last Chinese dynasty began to crumble.
King Sobhuza was one of the longest ruling monarchs in history. He became king when he was one years old and ruled until his death at the age of 83.
He is currently still the youngest king in the world, but he looks a lot more comfortable on his throne now!
Queen Isabella II was named the monarch of Spain after her father's death when she was three years old. Her grandson, Alfonso XIII, was named the King of Spain the moment he was born.
He escaped China during WWII and later ended up working as a repairman at a botanical garden.
King Oyo was crowned at the tender age of three. During his coronation, he sat on a miniature throne and played with toys. At one point he took off his crown and ran to his mother to hide.
For more fascinating royal history, check out this list of royals who survived assassination attempts!
He returned to the throne and became King Michael once more when he was 19 years old.
The idea of a hereditary monarchy is questionable at the best of times. The first born child (or first born male child) automatically takes the throne, regardless of their suitability or desire for the role. This system has certainly yielded some interesting results in the past, but it really takes a weird turn when the new ruler happens to be a baby! Let's take a photographic jaunt down memory lane and see some of the youngest kings and queens in recent history. Click through the gallery to get started.
Rare photos of the world's youngest monarchs
Some of these kings and queens weren't even old enough to vote!
LIFESTYLE Royalty
The idea of a hereditary monarchy is questionable at the best of times. The first born child (or first born male child) automatically takes the throne, regardless of their suitability or desire for the role. This system has certainly yielded some interesting results in the past, but it really takes a weird turn when the new ruler happens to be a baby! Let's take a photographic jaunt down memory lane and see some of the youngest kings and queens in recent history. Click through the gallery to get started.